THE SCOTTISH SUN 🔵 Philippe Clement breaks silence on Ianis Hagi’s return to Rangers training

RANGERS boss Philippe Clement has broken his silence on Ianis Hagi’s return to first-team training.

The Romanian midfielder was up until now banished to the club’s B side as he trained with the kids.

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But that all changed this week.

Belgian gaffer Clement has welcomed the Euro 2024 star back into the fold and he’s now available for senior squad selection.

It brings an end to 14 MONTHS of contract wrangling between the 25-year-old and Ibrox chiefs.

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His last first-team outing came against Morton in the Premier Sports Cup over a year ago.

He was loaned out to Spanish club Alaves by Michael Beale last season and Clement had hinted that he might not play under him – but he’ll now be available to the Belgian.

Clement said: « It’s a new signing in that way, because I was never able to work with him and to have him in my squad.

“That it was a contract issue from before my time, so the issue is solved.

“So both parties, the club and Hagi came together and now it’s resolved. 

« So it’s normal, he’s back in the squad training and by getting him back to his best level, that’s the job now to do.

“He’s not an option yet, so there’s a way to go of course, but the more players you can have that can make a difference for your team, the better.

“So clearly I’m happy that this situation that I didn’t like to have is resolved now. 

“He behaves all the time well and our contact was good all the time, so there was never a problem between us.

“We met each other a lot of times here in the building, so he did everything what you expect from a professional player.

“But in those situations it’s maybe not always the case, but he’s been an example in that way for sure.”

Hagi was on loan at Spanish club Alaves last season and was linked with a return to the continent in the summer.

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The playmaker is not included in Gers’ 25-man Euro squad and won’t be able to face Lyon at Ibrox in the Europa League clash on Thursday night.

But he may even be available for Sunday night’s Scottish Premiership game against St Johnstone at Ibrox.

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